Red Sox Suffer Double Loss Before Guardians Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Trant | Last updated May 31, 2026 1:32 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox have endured a disappointing start to the 2026 MLB season. Entering Sunday’s series finale against the Cleveland Guardians with a 24-33 record, the Red Sox sit in last place in the American League East. Now 12 games behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays, the Red Sox are hoping to improve their offense throughout the summer.

Many of the Red Sox's struggles can be attributed to one of baseball’s worst offenses this season. Despite receiving strong individual performances from players such as outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela and first baseman Willson Contreras, Boston enters Sunday tied for 27th in total runs and second-to-last in home runs among all MLB teams.

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) © Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

With Boston already searching for answers offensively, the team will be missing two of its most productive players for Sunday’s game. Ahead of the game in Cleveland, Red Sox beat reporter for MassLive, Chris Cotillo, revealed that Rafaela is dealing with low back tightness while Contreras continues to manage a lingering hand and wrist issue.

“Ceddanne Rafaela has low back tightness and Willson Contreras has a lingering hand/wrist issue so the Red Sox are giving them the day off ahead of tomorrow’s day off,” Cotillo shared on X.

Ceddanne Rafaela has low back tightness and Willson Contreras has a lingering hand/wrist issue so the Red Sox are giving them the day off ahead of tomorrow’s day off.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) May 31, 2026

The Red Sox appear to be using the opportunity to give Contreras and Rafaela some additional rest ahead of Monday’s day off. A three-time All-Star, Contreras has been one of the few consistent bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season for the Red Sox. In 55 games this season, Contreras is batting .286 with an OPS of .889 and leads the team with 11 home runs.

Rafaela has been having a breakout season for Boston, and in 55 games this season, he is batting .275 with a .770 OPS and five home runs, alongside Gold Glove-level defense in center field. Like Contreras, the extra rest appears to be just a precautionary measure.

With both players expected back soon, Boston will hope the extra rest helps two of its most important contributors remain healthy as the organization looks to turn its season around.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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